Newark woman admits role in child nutrition program theft

NEWARK -- A New Jersey resident has admitted she took part in a conspiracy to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from a federal child nutrition program.

Veronica Anderson pleaded guilty today in state Superior Court to receiving stolen property. State prosecutors will recommend that the 51-year-old Newark woman receive probation when she's sentenced on March 3.

Anderson admitted helping Charles Brown, a former clerk for the Newark WIC program, distribute fraudulent food vouchers. Anderson said she received between $100 and $200 every time she drove Brown to stores where owners bought the phony vouchers.

Three other people, including Brown, have pleaded guilty in the scheme, which involved more than $1 million in fraudulent vouchers.